CPT® Code 20987

Deleted

Computer-assisted surgical navigational procedure for musculoskeletal procedures; with image guidance based on preoperative images (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

The CPT® Code 20987 refers to a computer-assisted surgical navigational procedure specifically designed for musculoskeletal surgeries, utilizing image guidance based on preoperative images. This procedure is performed either prior to or during complex musculoskeletal surgeries, such as those involving the fixation of femoral or pelvic fractures. The primary advantage of employing computer-assisted surgical navigation is the enhancement of surgical accuracy, which is critical in minimizing complications and improving patient outcomes. By allowing surgeons to operate through smaller incisions, this technique not only reduces the overall surgery time and blood loss but also contributes to a shorter postoperative rehabilitation period for patients. The process of computer-assisted surgical navigation is structured into three key steps: data acquisition, registration, and tracking. During data acquisition, image-less navigation gathers information related to the centers of joint rotation and utilizes visual cues, such as anatomical landmarks. Following this, registration techniques are employed to correlate the image-less anatomical data with the bony anatomy present in the surgical field. A computer-generated model is then created from the anatomical information and aligned with the surface data points collected during the surgical procedure. Finally, tracking is conducted using specialized sensors and measurement devices that provide real-time feedback to the surgeon regarding the accurate placement of surgical instruments in relation to the bony anatomy. It is important to note that for intraoperative image-guided computer-assisted surgical navigation, CPT® Code 20986 should be used, while CPT® Code 20987 is designated for preoperative image-guided navigation. In contrast to image-less systems, image-guided navigational systems utilize radiographic techniques such as fluoroscopy, ultrasound, CT, or MRI to acquire data, which is then integrated with the computer-assisted navigation systems to ensure precise tracking of surgical tools during the procedure.